Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is an American politician and Democratic U.S.
Cory Anthony Booker is an American politician and Democratic U.S. senator from New Jersey. He previously served as mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013 and became New Jersey’s first Black U.S. senator when elected in 2013.
Early life and education
Booker was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New Jersey. He studied at Stanford University, Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and Yale Law School.
Newark political career
Booker entered local politics in Newark, serving on the city council before becoming mayor in 2006. He remained mayor until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2013.
U.S. Senate career
Booker has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2013. His work has emphasized criminal justice reform, health care, and economic policy. He helped advance the First Step Act, a federal criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018. He has served on major Senate committees.
National profile
Booker became a national figure during his 2020 presidential campaign for the Democratic nomination. In 2025, he drew attention for delivering the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, speaking for about 25 hours.
Key facts
- First Black U.S. senator from New Jersey.
- Elected to the Senate in a 2013 special election, re-elected in 2014.
- Served as mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013.
- Helped advance the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018.
- Delivered the longest speech in Senate history in 2025, speaking for about 25 hours.
Booker is primarily relevant to Canadian readers as a prominent U.S. Democratic senator whose positions on trade, health care, and criminal justice can affect cross-border political discussion and North American policy debates.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker — https://www.booker.senate.gov/about-corySupports: Official biography, Newark mayoralty, Senate service, and policy priorities.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cory-BookerSupports: Birth name, Senate career, and status as New Jersey's first Black senator.
- Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/cory-booker/B001288Supports: Senate service, party affiliation, and congressional tenure.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/cory-booker-fast-factsSupports: Date of birth, birthplace, and political background.
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/10/nyregion/10corybox.htmlSupports: Education details and early career background.